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Beginner Crochet
Have you ever wanted to learn crochet? If so, you are in the right place! This lens contains instructions for making crochet stitches and free crochet patterns for beginners. All the pattern instructions are in simple English without abbreviations.
The stitch on the left is a double crochet. It can be used to make almost anything from rugs to sweaters.
Double Crochet Stitch
How to Crochet Basics
Instructions for Crochet Stitches
The first thing you need to do with any crochet project is to tie a slip knot. Tie a Slip Knot for Crochet
After tying the slip knot you will chain stitch. All crochet projects begin with a chain stitch.
Crochet a Chain Stitch
A crochet pattern will tell you what type of yarn to use, what type of hook to use and what type of stitch to make after you have created the chain stitch. All the projects on this page were made using a double crochet stitch or single crochet stitch.
Single Crochet Stitch
Double Crochet Stitch
The tension you use during crochet, the size of the hook you use, and the weight of the yarn will all influence the size of the stitch and overall look of the project. When crocheting a single or double stitch, you stitch through the top loops of the previous row of stitches. You can change the appearance of finished project by changing the way you stitch through the loops on the previous row. Stitching through only one loop creates a ridged pattern (seen in the pot holder and scarf pattern below). Stitching through both loops creates a flat pattern (seen in the rug and wash clothes shown above.)
Crochet a Wash Cloth
Free Pattern
Wash clothes are quick and easy to crochet. You can make one in less than an hour with inexpensive cotton yarn. I like to decorate my bathroom with them.Wash Cloth Crochet Pattern
Crochet a Rectangular Rug
Free Pattern
The rug is double crocheted by using 3 pieces of yarn at once, which gives it plenty of weight on the floor. It requires a larger hook than usual to crochet with three pieces of yarn at once. Rectangular Rug Crochet Pattern
Crochet a Potholder
Free Pattern
The potholder was crocheted using the same pattern as the wash cloth, accept it was done by crocheting through only one loop of the previous row to give it a ridged pattern. A chain stitch was used at the end to create a loop for hanging the potholder.Crochet a Pot Holder
Crochet a Scarf
Free Pattern
The scarf is crocheted through only one loop of the previous row to create a ridge pattern also. It is a quick and easy project as well, perfect for Christmas gift-giving.Crochet a Scarf
Crochet an Oval
Free Pattern
You can crochet an oval for making a doily, rug, table runner, or anything you can imagine, using the same double crochet stitch used above! The traditional way to make an oval is to double crochet all the way around the work and then turn the work and go back around the other direction. This creates a seam in the oval that must be slip stitched together. The first link is a modern approach to an oval requiring no turning of the crocheted work and creating no seam.How to Crochet an Oval Using a Double Crochet Stitch
Traditional method for creating an oval that requires turning and creates a seam (without abbreviations).
Crocheting Ovals: Traditional Method
Crochet an Oval Rug
No Seam Rug from a Double Crochet Stitch
I made this double crocheted rug using the instructions for crocheting an oval above. I used two strands of yarn at the same time to give the rug extra weight. I crochet ovals using the loosest stitch possible, to prevent gathering as the rug gets bigger. Complete instructions for completing this rug:How to Crochet an Oval Rug: Free Pattern
Crochet a Wave Pattern
The photo shows the outcome of varying the double crochet stitch to create a wave pattern. For more information and instructions on creating the wave see the link below:Crochet a Wave Pattern
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by HSSchulte
I'm a freelance writer for eHow, Suite101, and Squidoo. I am also the Alternative Medicine Examiner for the Kansas City area.
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